How to Spot Added Sugars on Food Labels
Knowing how to find added sugars on food labels is important for better eating habits. Many people don’t realize that sugars can be hidden in processed foods under different names. That’s why reading labels is super important.
Finding Added Sugars
When you look at food labels, you’ll see "Total Sugars" listed in grams. This number includes both naturally found sugars and added sugars. To see how much sugar is added, check for the “Added Sugars” line. This part shows how many sugars were added during processing or cooking.
Common Names for Added Sugars
Added sugars go by many names. Be careful, because they can be easy to miss. Some common names include:
Knowing these names can help you find products with too much added sugar.
Reading Ingredients Lists
In addition to the Nutrition Facts, ingredient lists tell a lot, too. Ingredients are listed from the most to the least by weight. If you see any type of sugar in the first few ingredients, that usually means the product has a lot of added sugars. Remember, sugars can appear in different forms like "sugar," "corn syrup," or "concentrated fruit juice." All of these add to your daily sugar intake.
Daily Sugar Guidelines
The American Heart Association suggests limiting added sugars to:
These recommendations can help you understand how much added sugar you should aim for in your diet.
Think About the Big Picture
While it’s great to notice sugar content, it’s also important to look at your overall diet. Foods labeled as "low-fat" may have more sugar to make them taste better. This can trick you into thinking they are healthier. Remember to check the entire Nutrition Facts label, not just focus on one part.
Wrapping Up
Learning to spot added sugars on food labels is an important step towards eating healthier. By knowing how to read the Nutrition Facts, recognizing common sugar names, and checking the ingredients list, you can make better choices about what you eat. Remember, having this knowledge can really help your health and well-being!
How to Spot Added Sugars on Food Labels
Knowing how to find added sugars on food labels is important for better eating habits. Many people don’t realize that sugars can be hidden in processed foods under different names. That’s why reading labels is super important.
Finding Added Sugars
When you look at food labels, you’ll see "Total Sugars" listed in grams. This number includes both naturally found sugars and added sugars. To see how much sugar is added, check for the “Added Sugars” line. This part shows how many sugars were added during processing or cooking.
Common Names for Added Sugars
Added sugars go by many names. Be careful, because they can be easy to miss. Some common names include:
Knowing these names can help you find products with too much added sugar.
Reading Ingredients Lists
In addition to the Nutrition Facts, ingredient lists tell a lot, too. Ingredients are listed from the most to the least by weight. If you see any type of sugar in the first few ingredients, that usually means the product has a lot of added sugars. Remember, sugars can appear in different forms like "sugar," "corn syrup," or "concentrated fruit juice." All of these add to your daily sugar intake.
Daily Sugar Guidelines
The American Heart Association suggests limiting added sugars to:
These recommendations can help you understand how much added sugar you should aim for in your diet.
Think About the Big Picture
While it’s great to notice sugar content, it’s also important to look at your overall diet. Foods labeled as "low-fat" may have more sugar to make them taste better. This can trick you into thinking they are healthier. Remember to check the entire Nutrition Facts label, not just focus on one part.
Wrapping Up
Learning to spot added sugars on food labels is an important step towards eating healthier. By knowing how to read the Nutrition Facts, recognizing common sugar names, and checking the ingredients list, you can make better choices about what you eat. Remember, having this knowledge can really help your health and well-being!